Paradise Town Council approves updated Cal Fire hazard severity zone maps

The Town of Paradise Town Council convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss several important matters, primarily focusing on the adoption of updated fire hazard severity zone maps as mandated by state regulations.

During the meeting, the council addressed the implications of recent changes in federal and state reporting requirements. While the federal government has eliminated the need for annual reporting, the state still mandates compliance under Senate Bill 54. This led to discussions about the town's equipment usage and operational methods, although specific details were not elaborated upon.

A significant agenda item was the introduction of Town Ordinance 646, which aims to adopt the updated Cal Fire 2025 local responsibility area (LRA) maps. This update is crucial as it reflects changes in fire hazard designations, with Paradise continuing to be classified as a very high fire severity zone. The council noted that the last update to these maps was 17 years ago, and the new maps include additional areas around Paradise, such as parts of Chico, which will also need to adhere to wildland urban interface (WUI) building codes.

The council emphasized the importance of adopting these maps within a specific timeframe to avoid jeopardizing funding sources. The public was invited to review the maps for 30 days, and the council must complete the adoption process by June 10, 2025. Failure to adopt the updated maps would result in the state imposing its own designations on the town.

The council unanimously moved to waive the first reading of the ordinance and introduced it for further consideration. The ordinance will return for final adoption in the coming month, ensuring compliance with state requirements and reinforcing the town's commitment to fire safety and preparedness.